Traveling is all about experiences, and even the busiest places can be enjoyable if you know how to approach them. I mean, who wants to miss out on iconic sights just because they’re packed with tourists, right?  The sad reality is that crowded destinations can be a real headache. Long lines at attractions, the constant buzz of noise, and sometimes it feels like you can’t even get a good photo without someone photobombing you!

But here’s the good news! I’ve got five strategies that you can use to navigate these crowded spots like a seasoned traveller.

• #1:  Go beyond the norm and create intimacy with a culture by enjoying the local cuisine
  • Book a mid-day cooking class – you don’t have to get up at o’dark thirty and you will arrive ready to meet people from all over the world
  • learn about interesting ingredients and you don’t need to make lunch reservations because you eat what you cook.  The biggest payoff is you get to take home a priceless souvenir that will last for years to come. 
    • On my 2022 trip to Bangkok, I learned to cook 3 types of delicious Thai meals that I continue to make for my family a couple of years later.
  • While inexperienced travellers are preparing for dinner at a noisy, overpriced, tourist trap you are on your way to cultural exploration like no other with food tours at night
    • Depending on your location, you will get respite from the oppressive heat that comes with locals such as south east Asian because the weather is a bit cooler at night and the lights make everything look so magical
    • Here are a couple of worldwide food tours to check out:
      • I’ve personally enjoyed “Secret Food Tours†while in Asia where I learned about that local city’s history, visited local markets to learn how locals buy their food and how food has shaped the areas culture
      • If you would prefer a private tour with a local, check out “WithLocals†for an experience designed to take you away from the crowds towards authentic local spots

• #2:  But if you travelled just for those iconic attractions, let technology be your travel companion. Here are some apps to help you track crowd sizes or even provide virtual tours if the lines are just insane:
  • Crowd Alert (provide real-time info on how busy a place is so you can plan ahead)Skip the Crowds (allows users to search nearby businesses, including bars, pubs and restaurants, with data in both real-time and based on historical information)Crowdless (helps users find out how busy places are such as attractions, supermarkets and food vendors)Avoid Humans (was initially created for South by Southwest to help people avoid the insane crowds during the festivals, this app now helps users avoid other people using Foursquare and Instagram check-in data to identify crowded places)
  • Country specific app –you can use “Avoid the Shopping Crowds†in the Netherlands to help navigate cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague

• #3:  Maybe there is just no way to escape the crowds, and you want to find some hidden gems nearby.  Here are few apps to check out and download before your next outing:
  • Atlas Obscura Travel Guide (helps you get off the beaten path and discover some unique places)Crowd Alert (if a place is crowded, they will offer nearby gems)
  • Rome2Rio (if you have heard about a hidden gem but not sure how to get there, this app comes in handy.  It functions similar to Google maps but with more travel options like buses or ferries that don’t show up on Google maps.

• #4:  Deploy the “timing is everything†method:
  • Arrive at popular attractions one to two hours prior to opening. 
    • • You will be able to be among the first in the cue, ensuring you get in and enjoy before the onslaught of crowds. 
  • If you are not a morning person like me, plan for later in the day, one to two hours before closing.
    • Inexperienced travellers are preparing for dinner or heading back to their accommodations but you are bright eyed and have the place almost to yourself which means a more enjoyable experience!

• #5:  The most effective technique to transform your experience in crowded places:  shift your mindset about the crowds.
  • Instead of focusing on the chaos around you, try to embrace the energy of the crowd. Think of it as part of the adventure!
  • Take a moment to appreciate the diversity of people around you, and remember that everyone is there to enjoy the same beautiful sights.
  • This shift in perspective can turn a stressful situation into a fun, shared experience.  Once I begin to relax around all the noise and chaos, the people watching becomes an experience all within itself.  You notice the man, following his wife with her purse and water bottles or the kids completely disengage and have no desire to take a family photo.  Those are the memories that you can’t buy with any ticket.

Alright, let’s wrap this up! We’ve talked about the challenges of crowded destinations and explored some awesome strategies to tackle them. Remember, with the right approach, even the busiest places can be enjoyable. So, get out there and make the most of your travels, no matter how crowded it gets!

Before you go, I want to hear from you! What are your own tips for enjoying crowded spots? Drop them in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out my travel gallery under the Wanderlust navigation button.  

Thanks for reading and remember to keep Enjoying the Journey.